Severson Dells Nature Center

The Forest Preserves of Winnebago County serve as resources for many formal and informal environmental educational experiences. Much of FPWC’s educational programming is provided by non-profit organizations that run educational programs and events at facilities in forest preserves. Volunteers contribute substantial amounts of time and money toward environmental education at District facilities. Prospective volunteers are urged to contact the organization of their interest for further information.

At Severson Dells Forest Preserve, the Severson Dells Nature Center provides interpretive programs in this 369-acre preserve. Severson Dells Nature Center’s mission is to link people to nature through education and research in the northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin area. The Nature Center promotes awareness of the natural world, fostering respect, enjoyment and preservation now and in the future. Educational programs are offered weekly to people of all ages and interests. A Nature Library with over 2,000 titles is available for all to use, but for check-out only to members of “Friends of Severson Dells.” The Nature Center contains a small museum, auditorium, library, and bookstore for the general public. The Center is open 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 1:00-4:30 p.m. on Sunday. Volunteer naturalists assist the professional staff in providing unique activities and interpretive information. Persons interested are welcome to join the Severson Dells Nature Center and receive a quarterly newsletter listing activities and scheduled programs at Severson Dells. Visit the website or call for a full list of events, guided hikes, camps and programs highlighting the wonder and awe of nature.

The professional environmental education staff at SDNC also provides school field trips at the nature center and in-school programs on a wide variety of natural science topics. Please call for information on how your school or group can experience an outstanding inter-active program focused on the nature topic of your choice.

Don’t miss The Grove, a nature playscape that provides children with many opportunities to explore, climb, build and create. The Grove is a certified by Nature Explore as nature classroom. Watch this video to get a glimpse of the fun that awaits at The Grove!